
Vitiligo Society at BAD Conference 2025: Leading the Conversation on Patient-Centred Vitiligo Care
The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) Annual Conference is the UK’s leading dermatology event, bringing together clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders to share the latest advancements in skin health. Held annually, it provides a platform for clinical education, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, with growing emphasis on integrating patient voices into dermatological practice and policy. The 2025 conference featured a strong scientific programme with dedicated space for vitiligo – and the Vitiligo Society was at the forefront of those discussions.
This year, the Vitiligo Society played a leading role in shaping the vitiligo agenda. Our trustee, Professor Viktoria Eleftheriadou, joined by Dr Alia Ahmed (Medical and Scientific Panel member) and Professor Alexander Zin, led a sponsored symposium with Incyte Biosciences: Opzelura® (ruxolitinib cream): Shifting Paradigms in Vitiligo Management. The session explored the clinical potential of new topical treatments and how innovations are changing patient pathways.
Viktoria also contributed to the high-profile “Hot Topics” session, where she shared two major patient-focused initiatives driven by the Society:
- The launch of VIRTUAL UK, a national pharmacovigilance registry for people with vitiligo to monitor long-term treatment outcomes and safety.
- A new home phototherapy service, improving treatment access and convenience for people managing vitiligo at home.

Key volunteer Shahnawaz Towheed presented on the impact of VitSupport, our monthly virtual support group designed to offer emotional support, reduce isolation, and foster a sense of community. His update focused on a recent service evaluation which showed:
- High participant satisfaction, with 94% rating their overall experience positively.
- Safe and inclusive environment, with 94.7% reporting they felt very safe and comfortable during sessions.
- Ongoing engagement, with 92.1% planning to return to future sessions.
Vitiligo Society CEO Abbie Hurrell attended the conference to engage directly with dermatologists and clinical teams, advocating for more empathetic, joined-up care for vitiligo patients throughout their diagnostic and treatment journeys.
Our presence at BAD 2025 made clear that patients must be central to the future of vitiligo research, treatment, and service design. The Vitiligo Society is proud to be driving that change—bringing the voices, needs, and lived experiences of the vitiligo community to the heart of dermatology.

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